To cancel DDs party this Sunday?

[Partydilemma48293]

DD is 3 and we’re having a party for her in 2 weeks time. Have spent about £1000 on venue hire, entertainment etc.

Originally had 25 kids confirmed as coming and this has now dropped down to 9.

Should we cancel?

IABU - no don’t canxel
YANBU - cancel

Don’t cancel , 🤞🏻nobody else drops out . Do you know any others that you could invite that missed the first cut ?

Then why would you cancel? Might as well go ahead and enjoy it, take this as a lesson for future birthdays not to spend so much

Honestly none of that sounds like it won't work or won't be fun with a small number of kids. Like if you won't get your money back then I don't see any point in cancelling. Let the kids that come have fun. Yes if you could get refunds for most of it, by all means, cancel and find something much cheaper for the 9 that are coming, but as you can't get the money back, what's the point?!

I’m in Cheshire. None of the local soft plays charge £60 per head for a party. Max you’re looking at is £30 a child and if you do a weekday party it’s a lot less than that

It’s rude to the 9 guests to cancel 🤷‍♀️

Of course it's bonkers but it's done... the kids will have a ball but go right against all MN rules and invite sibling's... better still, if you have neighbours you haven't got to know but have kids between the right age then here is a great opportunity for a bit of community largesse.. and maybe new friends ! ?

9 kids... plus your DD, will be plenty, and chances are several will bring a sibling (particularly if you tell their parents they are welcome to!)

25... would be overwhelming and in all honestly your kid is NOT going to know the difference.

So if you cancel, you're cancelling because YOU think 9 kids isn't enough, not for your childs actual benefit.

Which seems a bit dumb. Are you worried the photos will look a bit sparse, I can't imagine what else would really matter?!

Don't cancel! Others may decide to turn up last minute. I'm sure they'll still have fun even with fewer participants than previously anticipated

The idea of cancelling was because I didn’t want the party to feel awkward! I don’t want it to look like I have gone too OTT for the small number of people there.

From experience OP prepare for a few last minute attendees or uninvited siblings!

I'll come OP!
I think you've taken a bit of a battering about the cost, but that wasn't your question (gotta love MN!).

Please continue with the party and I hope they all have a wonderful time.

That's £1000 spent locally and some will be smaller businesses. That's exactly how we should spend do our society doesn't go to pot. Not jetting away as some are suggesting.

I'm glad you aren't cancelling and I agree about trying to round up some more children to go.

Don't cancel go ahead with the party and I bet your DD and her friends will have an amazing time and Is there any children within your family or friends that you could invite to get the numbers back up,if so I'd think about doing that.

Ah that is such a shame so many have cancelled!

Unfortunately you can guarantee that at least 1/ 2 will on the day - I usually find 10% do. So annoying

“Dollmeup · Today 17:06
Don't cancel, you might get some who still rsvp really close to the time. 9 is still a decent number for a party but I'd contact the parents and ask if they would like to bring siblings too. Mine are close in age so would happily go along even if they don't actually know the kid and it actually makes things easier as I don't have to arrange alternative childcare for the other one.”

This with bells on.

And beautifully put by @ilovepixie :

“ilovepixie · Today 16:21
That's £1000 spent locally and some will be smaller businesses. That's exactly how we should spend do our society doesn't go to pot. Not jetting away as some are suggesting.
I'm glad you aren't cancelling and I agree about trying to round up some more children to go.”

So why cancel? Invite anyone else you can think of. Are you worried about how it will look to other parents? It shouldn't be about what they think if so. You mentioned you live in Cheshire and that others have nice parties. Well, this can still be a lovely party, but please don't think you need to be spending this amount of money for a 3 year old. As others have said, fewer children is better at that age anyway. I hope it goes well.

Don't cancel - it sounds great. Invite more kids, siblings and friends. Have a lovely time, OP.

Don’t you love how everyone fixates on one detail, in this case spending more than they would/think you should, and don’t answer the question. Granted I’ve just transferred a rather large amount of money for my youngest child’s first birthday party so may be biased.
I would not cancel! 9 is a good amount still and will probably be more relaxing for you. If you want more ie for party favors that you’ve already paid for etc you could invite siblings of the current guests.

Next year, remember that 4 year olds will be happy with a simple party at home. And 9 or 10 guests is a good number. Loads of stuff online you can put in goody bags, and splurge on a special cake.

Don’t even worry about that OP, I’ve gone completely OTT for parties where we only invited 5 cousins. It’s fun to do and fun for the birthday child!

Thats a HUGE amount of money on a 3yo. As is £100 on a cake.
Spending such a lot when shes so little is setting a precedent for more and more expensive birthdays in the future.
When my eldest was 3...........his birthday "do" cost £30. Admittedly that was 20 years ago but still. Approx 6-8 kids and all of them had a marvellous time. 3yo really dont care about expensive frills (unless you teach them they are necessary)
Id go ahead as you've already spent so much - but invite anyone and everyone who might want to come. More fun for all then.
And scale down massively next year.

I really hate this attitude that it's not worth bothering with doing things with small children because they won't remember it.

This will make an impression on your DD and the other children. TBH if there are only 10 it will be less crowded and they will maybe enjoy it more.

When he was about that age, a bit older maybe, we took DS to à Thomas day at a local steam railway. He had the absolute best day, he loved every minute of it. Does he remember it now? Of course not. But these experiences and sensations are registered by young children and contribute to the formation of new synapses in the brain. Things like this are vital for brain development in fact. Of course they are worth doing.

Go for it and have a great party OP.